Landing craft utility Current Affairs

The Indian Navy has inducted Landing Craft Utility (LCU) INLCU L53 at Port Blair. LCU L53 is the third ship in series of eight Mark IV LCU vessels built and designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata for Navy. The first ship of the series was commissioned in 2016.

Key Facts

LCU L53 MK-IV ship is amphibious ship with displacement of 830 Tons and can sail through sea at speed of 15kt. It is capable of carrying 160 troops and transporting 145 tons of military equipment including combat equipment such as Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun, T72 and other Armoured Vehicles.

It is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems such as Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). It is also fitted with indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Stabilised Optronic Pedestal which provides ship requisite offensive capability for undertaking patrolling in addition.

The ship will based in Andaman and Nicobar Command and will help Indian Navy in carrying out multi-role activities, such as beaching operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue and supply and replenishment of distant islands.

Comment

The eight LCU Mark-IV vessels built by GRSE under LCU Mk-IV project are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations jointly carried out Indian Navy and Indian Army to ensure maritime security of Andamans and Lakshadweep islands. The remaining five ships of project are in advanced stage of construction and are scheduled to inducted into Indian Navy by end of 2019. Induction of these ships will contribute to nation’s maritime security needs and will help to accomplish India’s quest for self-reliance in shipbuilding.

The LCU Mark-IV vessels are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations jointly carried out Indian Navy and Indian Army to ensure maritime security of Andamans and Lakshadweep islands. LCU L52 ship is the second in series of the eight Mark IV LCU vessels built by GRSE for Navy. The first ship of the series was commissioned in 2016.

Key Facts

LCU L52 ship is 62.8 meters long and 11 metres wide. It has 90% indigenous content. It has endurance of around 1,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. It is fitted with 2 x CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Guns.

It is capable of carrying two tanks or four special vehicles and 160 troops for landing at remote beach heads. It can be deployed for multiple activities like operations for landing troops ashore, humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations and evacuation of personnel from distant islands.

During sea trials, L52 had registered a speed of 15 knots. It also has successfully completed Weapon & Sensor trials prior delivery to the Navy. It has also been delivered with zero shipbuilders’ liabilities.